Documents

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 10: Report on AntClim21 Activities and Plans

Antarctic Climate Change in the 21st Century (AntClim21), 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Tom Bracegirdle, Nancy Bertler, Alia Khan, Gerhard Krinner, Paul Mayewski, Marilyn Raphael, Joellen Russell

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

The main activities and changes this year have been:

• The third AntClim21 workshop was held as a side meeting to SCAR2016 in Kuala Lumpur. The focus was on climate model evaluation for improved climate projections of 21st century Antarctic and Southern Ocean climate change.
• The Steering Committee has been expanded to improve links with two key activities of World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), CliC and CORDEX, and to bring in expertise on sea ice. The former brings world leading sea ice expertise and the latter key links to the polar high-resolution climate modelling community (Polar CORDEX).
• Tom Bracegirdle has taken over from Nancy Bertler as Chair of the Steering Committee.
• A number of high impact papers have been published in the peer review literature.
• Planning for the upcoming #GreatAntarcticClimateHack (#GACH). workshop.
• Collaboration across different disciplines in the SCAR community.
• Initial plans for “Antarctic climate indicators” for climate monitoring.
• A session proposal for POLAR2018 has been accepted.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 11: Report on PAIS Activities and Plans

PAIS 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Laura De Santis and Tim Naish

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

• Significant new papers on past Antarctic ice sheet reconstructions and climate modelling have made significant contributions relevant to the next phase of IPCC over the past year.
• Rob DeConto (US) and Andrew Mackintosh (NZ) have been selected as Lead Authors on the IPCC special report on the cryosphere and the ocean.
• Tim Naish and Rob DeConto were invited to the scoping meeting of the IPCC special report on the impacts and mitigation pathways for stabilisation of global warming at 1.5C.
• Tim Naish delivered the SCAR Science Lecture at the 40th ATCM in Beijing in May on “What the Paris Climate Agreement Means for Antarctica”.
• Laura DeSantis has put major effort into organizing and hosting the PAIS Conference this September in Trieste. More than 200 abstracts have been accepted from more than 17 countries and including 130 student and early career researchers. The conference will cover the latest scientific results in reconstructing Antarctic ice sheet response to warmer climates and model development for predicting future ice sheet contribution to sea-level rise. There is also a focus on interdisciplinarity and far field consequences of Antarctic climate and ice sheet change. On the last day we will host a science to policy session focusing on high-priority research areas for the future PAIS programme work plan. We have invited Valerie Masson-Delmotte (Co Chair of IPCC Working Group 1 for AR6), Chuck Kennicutt (coordinator of SCAR Horizon Scan), and Yeadong Kim (co-coordinator of the ARC road map) to identify key scientific questions and the resources and co-operation required to address them.
• This has been a highly successful year for developing future plans for data acquisition on the Antarctic continental margin with several large drilling expeditions worth USD $100M approved within the International Ocean Discovery Program (Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, Wilkes Land margin, Scotia Sea).
• Rob McKay (NZ) and Laura DeSantis (Italy) have been appointed co-chief scientists on the IODP Ross Sea Expedition.
• Karsten Gohl (Germany) is the lead proponent on the Amundsen Sea IODP Expedition and led a successful Amundsen Sea oceanographic and shallow sediment coring expedition on the RV Polarstern in 2017.
• These IODP expeditions have been developed within the SCAR-PAIS Programme. PAIS has received praise from the IODP community for organising a clear strategic rationale for drilling on the Antarctic margin. These expeditions will provide much needed evidence of marine ice sheet instability and sensitivity under various past high CO2 warmer worlds for different subglacial basins under the West and East Antarctic ice sheets.
• Several cruises have been carried out by many nations with the aim of collecting site survey data for IODP expeditions 373, 374, 379 scheduled for 2018-2020 and for the other submitted-revised proposals for drilling the Antarctic margin post-2020.
• PAIS provides grants to students and early-career scientists from countries developing their Antarctic programmes (Chile, Denmark, Ukraine) for attending the PAIS conference.
• PAIS recruited Pamela Santibañez from Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH, Chile), Mathieu Casado (LSCE and LIPhy, France) and Adam Campbell (Otago University, NZ) as APECS representatives on the PAIS steering committee.
• We ask permission to use other PAIS funds, (ca. USD $15,000 in addition to those that were already allocated to the conference) for allowing more students and early-career scientists to attend the conference.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 12: Report on SERCE Activities and Plans

Solid Earth Response and influence on Cryosphere Evolution (SERCE), 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Pippa Whitehouse (Durham University, UK) Matt King (University of Tasmania, Australia)

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

• Leadership of SERCE passed from Terry Wilson to Matt King and Pippa Whitehouse during SCAR2016. Steering committee membership has been updated; it now comprises 17 members at a range of career stages, from 12 different countries.
• A SCAR-hosted mailing list has been created for SERCE (195 subscribers), and the SERCE website has been updated to include statements in support of Antarctic infrastructure (geodetic and seismic), and open access data sharing.
• SERCE-facing conference sessions have taken place at SCAR 2016 (including co-sponsorship of a mini-symposium), EGU 2016/17, AGU 2016/17, AGU-JpGU, and IAG-IASPEI.
• A Glacial Seismology Training School was held in June 2017 (USA), and a workshop on Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) and Elastic Deformation will take place in September 2017 (Iceland). Both activities received significant funds from SERCE.
• A data sub-group has been formed, and is working with Quantarctica developers to upload SERCE-facing data sets to this open source resource.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 13: Report from SOOS

Southern Ocean Observing System, 2016-2017 Report

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:
From 2016-17, SOOS has delivered the Database of Upcoming Expeditions to the Southern Ocean (DueSouth); identified and made discoverable a network of over 600 current and historical moorings in the Southern Ocean; rescued 20 years of data from 63 international moorings; developed 4 regional networks to coordinate Southern Ocean observational efforts; published 8 peer-reviewed strategic and/or review publications; brokered an agreement with EMODnet and JCOMMOPS for delivery of interactive map of Southern Ocean observing platforms (SOOSMap); held 11 meetings/workshops with significant international sponsorship of these events; supported the development of the CCAMLR Marine Protected Area monitoring plan; and delivered the 5-Year Implementation Plan and 5-year Business Plan.

SOOS held it’s annual EXCOM and Scientific Steering Commttee meetings in mid-June. Several key decisions from that meeting are reported here, noting that approval from the co-sponsors SCAR and SCOR is still required before they are confirmed.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 14: Report from the SCAR Humanities and Social Sciences Expert Group

Humanities and Social Sciences Expert Group, 2016-2017 Report

Agenda Item: 2.1.1

Person Responsible: D. Liggett / E. Leane

Report Authors: Daniela Liggett ([email protected]) and Elizabeth Leane ([email protected])

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

2016-17 was a period of growing maturity for the SCAR Humanities and Social Sciences Expert Group (HASSEG). HASSEG’s membership body grew to 185 on our email list and 60 full member profiles on our website. The latest business meeting had an attendance of 56 people. HASSEG’s major activity was the group’s biennial Humanities and Social Sciences conference (held jointly with the History EG), which attracted around 100 delegates from six continents. Three publications stemming from the conference are in progress. The group’s new streamlined Executive Committee worked well, with much of its work looking towards the proposal for a Humanities and Social Science group in 2018, as noted below. The membership of the Executive Committee was also extended to include an Argentinian researcher, extending our diversity. Our relationship with the History EG, facilitated by a small liaison group, remains to be very strong. HASSEG continues to be committed to outreach, primarily through its website and social media, facilitated by the appointment of a communications officer on the Executive Committee.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 15: Report from the SCAR History Group

SCAR History Expert Group, 2016-2017 Report

Agenda Item: 2.1.1

Report Author(s): Cornelia Lüdecke

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

In 2016 the SCAR History Expert Group organized session S34 on “Footprints in Antarctica, and Antarctica’s footprint: perspectives from history“, which comprised eight talks plus six additional posters during the SCAR Open Science Conference in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally the History EG produced a poster to highlight activities for the SCAR OSC and the Delegates Meeting.

A joint conference of the History and the Humanities and Social Sciences Expert Groups on “Depths and Surfaces: Understanding the Antarctic Region through the Humanities and Social Sciences” was held in Hobart (Tasmania) in July 2017, which included 75 talks in two to three parallel sessions and an art exhibition. We also discussed how to merge of both groups.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 16: Report on SCADM Activities and Plans 

SCADM Standing Committee on Antarctic Data Management), 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Anton P. Van de Putte with support from SCADM members

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

Development of a short strategy for SCADM 2017-2022.

1. Data publication
2. Provide data access through the AMD
3. Promote a distributed, interoperable network of accredited polar data centres

Strong focus on interaction with Arctic counterparts

Leadership has lost the two deputy heads in this year, will need to get new deputy heads elected at next annual meeting (September 2017, Montreal).

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 17: Report on SCAGI Activities and Plans

Standing Committee on Antarctic Geographic Information 2016-2017 Report

Report Author(s): Adrian Fox, British Antarctic Survey, Jean-Yves Pirlot, National Geographic Institute, Belgium

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

Almost all work in Antarctica relies on accurate and reliable geographic information. Accurate, comprehensive and reliable geographic information is needed to support science, operations, environmental management and tourism. The main roles of SCAR SCAGI are to:

1. Coordinate maintaining and developing this geospatial framework for Antarctica through national agencies, and
2. Provide an arena for raising awareness of national programme activities though national reports, sharing of experience and best practice, and for highlighting opportunities for collaboration between agencies.

SCAGI continues to deliver a range of geographic information products through its various Products: Antarctic Digital Database (ADD); Air Operations Planning Maps; Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica (CGA) and SCAR MAP Catalogue. Usage statistics show that these SCAR Products are used and valued by the Antarctic Community. SCAGI seeks to continue to develop and improve the existing products and develop appropriate new ones to support evolving activities in Antarctica.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 18: SCAR Products

The Future of the SCAR Products

Report Author(s): J Baeseman, Adrian Fox, Jean-Yves Pirlot, Anton Van de Putte, and Taco de Bruin

Summary:

SCAR has a number of database and mapping products and more are being developed – sometimes using a SCAR product as a base and other times independently. To help facilitate better coordination and avoid duplication, a workshop should be planned with product contact points, host institutes and other interested parties. The goal being to develop a strategic view of what SCAR wants in terms of its products.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 19: Report from SCATS

Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System, 2016-2017 Annual Report

Report Author: Aleks Terauds

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

SCATS continued to focus on the provision of advice to the Antarctic Treaty System. SCAR was involved in 21 submissions to ATCM XL in Beijing, May 2017. Two of these submissions resulted in endorsement by means of Resolution. SCAR was congratulated for exploring new formats for presenting annual submissions, and was encouraged to continue to present submissions in a similarly accessible form at future meetings. The SCAR Lecture was a resounding success, resulting in agreement by the ATCPs to move it on the Agenda to Day 1 of the meeting. SCAR agreed to several commitments for CEP XXI in 2018, and will prioritize the delivery of these through 2017-18. Through its members, SCATS continues to stay informed of emerging issues across the SCAR community that are of interest to the Antarctic Treaty System.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 1: Summary Agenda and Schedule

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 20: Report of SCAR Delegation to XL ATCM and CEP XX

Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System 2017 ATCM XL CEP XX REPORT

Report Authors: Aleks Terauds and Steven Chown

Summary of activities from 2016-17 and any other important issues or factors:

SCAR submitted five lead Working Papers (WPs), three co-sponsored WPs, six lead Information Papers (IPs), four co-sponsored IPs and two Background Papers (BPs) to ATCM XL. While most were focussed on the CEP, some were presented to both the CEP and the ATCM on areas of mutual interest, and five were only presented to Working Group 1 of the ATCM.

The research and policy advice contained in these submission was very well received by the CEP and ATCM. SCAR’s position as the primary body for the provision of independent, objective and evidence based scientific advice to the ATS was reaffirmed on several occasions.

The SCAR Science lecture had a significant impact on attendees, and the value of this contribution to the ATCM was recognized by the decision to move the SCAR lecture to the opening Plenary Session.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 21: Antarctic Environments Portal and SCAR

Antarctic Environments Portal and SCAR

Report Author(s): SL Chown

Summary:

At the 2016 Delegates meeting, it was approved that SCAR would to explore cost-neutral options for SCAR to take over the operational management of the Portal after June 2018. Progress has been made on this effort and discussions have been had with the Portal Board and between the SCAR President and the Tinker Foundation, whom currently supports the majority of funding for the Portal activities.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 22: The CBET Committee and Future Plans

Capacity Building, Education and Training (CBET) including future plans

Report Author(s): E Griffin, K Lochte and Jenny Baeseman

Summary:

The CBET Committee has begun to work on the roles defined and approved at the 2016 Delegates meeting with teams assigned to each role. The Committee has reconstituted its membership, importantly including greater representation from Early Career Scientists in collaboration with APECS.

In collaboration with the Development Council extra funding was successfully solicited to support both the Fellowships and Visiting Professor schemes for 2017.
SCAR administration of the Tinker-Muse Prize has been renewed for one year, to complete the first 10 Prizes, and a 5-year renewal will be applied for in 2018.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 23: SCAR Development Council Report

Development Council

Report Author(s): Peter Convey

Summary:

This report provides a short update on matters relating to the Development Council since the previous report given in Kuala Lumpur. The major activity has been the composition and sending to all SCAR Delegates and Group Leaders of a letter setting out our view of their key role in identifying and in many likely cases initially pursuing possible avenues of funding or other support at their national level for the benefit of SCAR activities. This generated a number of supportive responses, and three new funding contributions towards the Visiting Fellowship and Professorship programmes, from India, Norway and Switzerland.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 24: SCAR 60^th Anniversary

SCAR’s 60th Anniversary

Report Author(s): J. Baeseman

Summary:

In various discussions with people over the past two years about potential things for SCAR consider doing for its 60th Anniversary, several ideas have been generated. In addition, in the article authored by the Executive Committee and sent to the SCAR Community, several other points have been raised. This paper is a short list of ideas that have come forward to the Secretariat.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 25: Progress on SCAR Archives

Report Author(s): J. Baeseman and R. Nash

Summary:

With the very real risk of 60 years of SCAR files being lost to the elements and the desire to share SCAR’s history with the wider community, SCAR has made it a priority to properly archive its documents and make them available. This paper provides a brief summary of the progress to date and future plans, as well as an estimated budget.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 26: Progress towards the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan 

Report Author(s): J. Baeseman

Summary:

A document has been set up to help keep track of the progress towards the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan. It is a google doc and anyone with a link can contribute. The paper that follows this cover page is a pdf of that doc as of 21 July. It is meant to be a working document that is progressed over the coming years.

The document can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lLPdzUFCLungH_TCoXdOaxG71fIPg3q5YgN OMoMDbY8/edit#

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 27: SCAR Communication Activities

Report Author(s): J. Baeseman, R Nash and E. Griffin

Summary:

Much work has been done to improve SCAR communications over the past year and progress continues to be made. The new online newsletter was launched and positive feedback has been received. The new SCAR website is also progressing with a hoped launch for end of September. Many groups have been using the online meeting tool and appreciate this new service. Regular maintenance of mailing lists and contact lists is also ongoing.

SCAR EXCOM 2017 Paper 28: SCAR Conferences and Symposia: Archiving, Branding, etc.

Report Author(s): J Baeseman, E Griffin, and R Nash

Summary:

SCAR does not currently have a policy on dealing with archiving of conference and symposia materials, consistent branding for SCAR meetings, or uniform standards for dealing with abstracts. SCAR does have “Guidelines for Organisers of SCAR Meetings”, but it mainly deals with logistics and local organizing for the Open Science Conference and Business/Delegates meetings. It has been suggested that an update to the guide be produced that details expectations about archiving, branding and potential cost saving measures. It has also been requested that the guide be expanded to include symposia.